CLEVELAND — The U.S. Marshals Service confirms it has arrested a second suspect in the murder of Glenville High School student-athlete Te'Vion Cunningham.
In a release sent Friday afternoon, federal officials said 19-year-old Deshawn Wright was apprehended today at a home within the 15300 block of Yorick Avenue in Cleveland. Wright is charged with aggravated murder, and his capture comes more than a month after 22-year-old Meon'te Robinson was arrested in connection with the same incident.
Prosecutors say Cunningham, 17, was trying to buy a gun from Robinson back on Jan. 5 when he was shot several times not far from his Euclid home near Seabrooke Avenue and East 22nd Street. The teen later died at a local hospital, prompting shock throughout the Greater Cleveland community for the Tarblooder football and basketball player.
"Te'Vion was an exceptional individual who brought so much joy, love, and positivity into our lives. Their presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing them," the school wrote of Cunningham, who attended the Ginn Academy and was a member of Glenville's 2023 state football championship team. "In this time of profound grief, let us come together to support one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with Te'vions family and friends who are experiencing unimaginable sorrow."
Less than two weeks later, Euclid police arrested Robinson, and a grand jury indicted him on multiple charges including aggravated murder. He is currently being held in the Cuyahoga County Jail on a $1 million bond, and is due back in court this coming Thursday.
"This case is a perfect example of the carnage that guns are causing in our community," Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said in a statement after Robinson was charged. "We are seeing teenagers with increased access to guns, and unfortunately, in this case, a high school student went to purchase one and lost his life."
Wright is now listed in court records as Robinson's co-defendant, though his alleged connection to the crime is not yet known. He is also being held in the jail but without bond, with arraignment scheduled for March 12.
Also on Friday, the NOVFTF captured two additional suspects in separate homicides that took place in Cleveland. Twenty-one-year-old Deon Hudson-Bey was arrested on Richmond Park East for allegedly attacking and murdering 35-year-old Hakin Gaines back in July on Union Avenue, while 52-year-old George Smiley is accused of fatally shooting a man 15 times earlier this month near East 71st and Cedar.
"Three violent fugitives and two firearms were taken off the streets in the Cleveland area today due to the efforts of the men and women of our violent fugitive task force," U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement. "Our officers risk their lives daily for the citizens of northern Ohio."
